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Lesson 3 - Introducing the Backhand Shot

Shot Technique & Strategy

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Year 5

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Badminton

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Big Question

How can we use different shots to outwit our opponents in badminton?

Learning Objectives

Students will understand when and where to play the backhand shot
Students will develop correct backhand technique with control and accuracy
Students will apply backhand shots tactically to win points in game situations

Key Outcomes

All students can attempt a backhand shot with basic technique
Most students can play backhand shots with increasing accuracy over the net
Some students can use backhand shots tactically to hit into space and win points

Equipment & Resources Required

Badminton Rackets

6-8 portable nets

Check racket strings are intact and grips are secure

Alternative: Short tennis rackets for beginners

Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Use plastic shuttles for beginners, feather for advanced

Alternative: Foam shuttles for outdoor use

Markers Cones

24 cones

Mark out mini courts 6m x 3m approximately

Alternative: Chalk lines or tape

Markers

18 flat markers

Three equal zones marked on each court side

Alternative: Coloured hoops or chalk zones

Key Vocabulary

Backhand

A shot played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot

Ready Position

Balanced stance with racket up, ready to move in any direction

Feed

An underarm throw to set up a shot for practice

Recovery

Returning to ready position after playing a shot

Placement

Deliberately aiming shots to specific areas of the court

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic racket grip and ready position
Underarm feeding technique
Understanding of court boundaries and net play

Current Skills

Backhand grip and stance
Backhand shot execution
Tactical placement using backhand

Next Steps

Combining forehand and backhand in rallies
Advanced backhand variations (clear, drop, drive)
Competitive game application

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with shuttlecock using backhand

Shuttlecock lands in opponent's court area

Beginning to aim shots rather than just returning

Key Teaching Points

Backhand grip requires thumb position change from forehand grip
Body must turn side-on for effective backhand shots
Racket preparation behind body is essential for power generation
Follow-through across body ensures accuracy and control
Recovery to ready position maintains court coverage
Shot placement is more important than power for winning points
Quality feeding in pairs practice determines partner success

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking backhand is just a reverse forehand - explain the grip and body position differences
Believing power is most important - emphasise placement and control over force
Assuming backhand is only used on backhand side - show how movement can create options
Thinking technique doesn't matter in games - link good technique to successful outcomes

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate positive feedback for focus

dyspraxia

Larger shuttlecocks for easier contact, simplified technique breakdown, extra practice time and repetition

autism spectrum

Clear routine establishment, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zones available for breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured shuttlecocks and larger court markings, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for court navigation

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards available, use of hand signals for coaching points

physical disability

Seated badminton adaptations available, shorter/lighter rackets, modified court sizes, alternative scoring systems

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scoring systems, zone numbering, angle calculations for shot direction

Science

Forces and motion in racket sports, trajectory and momentum of shuttlecock

Geography

Court mapping, spatial awareness, directional language (left/right, forwards/backwards)

PSHE

Partnership cooperation, resilience when learning difficult skills, respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at court edge for clear view of all students, move between pairs during practice phases

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip changes, body positioning, and shot accuracy development

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, partnerships aren't working, or frustration levels rise

Demonstration Notes

Use large, slow movements for technique demo, emphasise grip change clearly, show common mistakes to avoid

Verbal Cues

•'Grip change first!'
•'Turn your body!'
•'Swing across your body!'
•'Back of hand leads!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Sports hall or large classroom, minimum 15m x 20m for multiple mini courts

Surface Check

Non-slip, even surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all racket strings are intact and grips secure
•Ensure net posts are stable and nets at correct height
•Zone markers must be flat to prevent tripping

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Racket collisions during swing movements
•Slips from shuttlecocks on floor
•Eye injuries from fast shuttlecock movement

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between courts
•Adequate spacing during shadow practice and skill drills
•Controlled feeding speeds throughout lesson
•Regular equipment checks and shuttlecock collection

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts during games
•Move between pairs during skill practice for individual coaching
•Monitor competitive intensity during mini-matches

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide first aid as needed, contact school medical support if required